Another first loading adventure

[bose]

I just loaded some 38 special's with 125gr cast lead, 5.1gr of Unique, CCI primers.

The rounds seem kinda hot also I've noticed that if the powder is next to the bullet it is lighter (less kick) than if the powder is at the primer. I've read about that...is it normal to be so noticable?

And, do you consider 5.1 a good starting place?
Thanks!!

 

[running iron]

I don't know what gun you are using but my LYMAN book says; for a 120 gr (linotype) with Unique start at 4.0 grs. at 725 fps and a max load of 5.7 for 1012 fps. I would work my way up and find the most accurate load first. No need to jump into the deep end without getting your feet wet first. I'm sure you are safe, but why not find the most accurate load to start with? Glad to see you take the plunge into reloading.

 

[bose]

Two guns are being used, my 357 Ruger and
my wifes Smith & Wesson 38 special M&P.

I have a Lyman book

 

[Skip Sackett]

Alliant data from 2008 shows 6.0gr of Unique under a 125gr LRNFP bullet as a maximum load. They say to reduce that load by 10% to come up with a starting load. 5.4gr would be a starting point for me, use your own judgment. I ALWAYS use powder manufacturer's data as a starting point, ALWAYS.

If I don't get the results I am after, I will venture into manuals, some of them old ones!

My experience with Unique is lacking but this I do know, if you load it light, you are going to be dissatisfied with the results. Your findings may be a result of being on the light side to start with. Most powders don't work well at the lower end of their data, Unique is susceptible to this phenomenon.

 

[running iron]

Alliant data from 2008 shows 6.0gr of Unique under a 125gr LRNFP bullet as a maximum load. They say to reduce that load by 10% to come up with a starting load. 5.4gr would be a starting point for me, use your own judgment. I ALWAYS use powder manufacturer's data as a starting point, ALWAYS.

If I don't get the results I am after, I will venture into manuals, some of them old ones!

My experience with Unique is lacking but this I do know, if you load it light, you are going to be dissatisfied with the results. Your findings may be a result of being on the light side to start with. Most powders don't work well at the lower end of their data, Unique is susceptible to this phenomenon.

I'm not sure your right about loading light being a bad move. I've loaded light in 44 special that is the bottom load in some books and middle of the road in others. It all depends on who you ask. You know what they say about opinions. There is a very wide ratio of information from one bullet maker to the next. It never hurts to start at the bottom IMO. I have always liked 6 grs. of Unique for a 240 SWC in 44 special, and that has been a starting load for years according to some sources. Not trying to stir the pot, but.... Anyway, if I was shooting lead bullets in a 38 special I would start with 3.7 grs. of Unique with a 148 gr Wadcutter then try 3.3 grs. of WST with a 158 gr SWC. These are target loads that are hard to beat. I don't think you will find those short 125 gr.bullets as accurate as the above. I have always liked a heavy bullet no matter what caliber. But that's just my opinion.

 

[Skip Sackett]

No pots being stirred.

I'm not sure your right about loading light being a bad move.

Running,
I think I need to clarify my statement so we are both on the same page. Unique has been proven over and over to like the upper end of data to "clean up". What I was trying to say is the it is susceptible to that phenomenon. The part I am unsure of is whether or not it becomes position sensitive at those levels too. If you fill a case with Unique, the point would become moot anyway.

When it comes to opinions on powder charges, I think the manufacturer might have better insight into the matter.

The manuals may be put out by bullet producers and don't get me wrong, I use them, but that's when things become "opinion" for me.

That's just me though. No pots stirred at this point and I hope that clarifies my previous statements.

 

[running iron]

It's all good, I like to see what the bullet people say and try to match their O.A.L. too. It seems that Hornady and Sierra have some pretty hot loads compared to the manufactures. For target shooting it doesn't matter to me because I like the softer shooting rounds, but for hunting and carry, I want all I can get that will still shoot accurate. It's nice to have both. Semper Fi brother.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Semper Fi brother.

Ditto Marine!

 

[Bruce51]

powder position

I just loaded some 38 special's with 125gr cast lead, 5.1gr of Unique, CCI primers.

The rounds seem kinda hot also I've noticed that if the powder is next to the bullet it is lighter (less kick) than if the powder is at the primer. I've read about that...is it normal to be so noticable?

And, do you consider 5.1 a good starting place?
Thanks!!

When shooting cast bullets in my .45 Colt there is a noticable difference in felt recoil with Unique if the powder is forward as opposed to raising the muzzle and settling the powder back onto the primer.
Your loads may feel hot but it may just be that they are just faster than what we now get in factory loads. Your load is safe and I would look for unburned powder in the cases to see if you need to go up a bit more.

Ken Oehler did a powder position,velocity,pressure test with .38 specials and Unique. Shooting Times published the article in the April 2007 edition. Even though he only used 110 grain bullets the results for powder position confirms that with Unique, there is a difference.

I would use Bullseye powder for that particular bullet in the .38 special.
It is cleaner, less sensitive and gives you a few more shots per pound.

Bruce